SALFORD star Andy Coley has turned up the heat ahead of Sunday's Challenge Cup clash with Huddersfield by predicting a torrid pack battle will determine who wins.

Coley knows he needs a big game as Reds set out to smash the Giants into submission and build a platform for victory in what promises to be an intriguing quarter-final showdown.

Reds lock horns in battle against a raw-boned juggernaut Giants pack but Coley and his fellow forwards are not overawed.

Coley told M.E.N. sport: "Sunday's game is a big one for both clubs and it will more than likely be won in the forwards. We know what's expected of us and we also know what to expect from Huddersfield, they're a powerful side.

Platform

"When we have played to full potential as a pack we have been able to set a platform and we've gone on to win, this is what we'll be looking to do on Sunday.

"We know all about Huddersfield, they've reached semi-finals before and will no doubt be fancying their chances by being at home but we are definitely up for it having lost there in Super League and going into it having lost in the last minute to Harlequins on Monday.

"These two defeats could be just what we need to fire us up and make sure we play to our full potential.

"We were beaten easily at Huddersfield last time out and this was disappointing because we know for a fact we didn't perform. For some unknown reason we made far too many mistakes with the ball, the defence was surprisingly poor.

"On the day our attitude wasn't right, we can't afford a repeat on Sunday and there won't be.

"When we last played Huddersfield there had been a bug in the camp, this took its toll, a number of lads were affected and the fatigue factor set in. We possibly started to panic at half-time when we were trailing 26-6.

"That kind of scoreline and situation had not faced us this season and it was one of those days when it didn't happen for us.

"We now go into an important quarter-final knowing we must start well, the forwards have to take charge and put down a marker. We would enjoy a good cup run, it's something we talked about at the start of the season and we know what we're capable of.

"A couple of our lads have been involved in finals and I would relish such an opportunity, it's an ambition that's increased in me over the years and we know we can compete with the best."

Struggling

Reds head for Huddersfield after knocking struggling Wigan out in the last round. Earlier this season, ex- Warriors boss Ian Millward approached Salford to check out Coley's availability - he wanted the big front-rower at the JJB.

Millward was told "hands off" - he wasn't the first Wigan boss to consider an audacious swoop for Coley and be knocked back.

Mike Gregory, who Coley learned his rugby trade under at Swinton, also tried and failed to see the lad from Warrington in a cherry and white shirt.

The Wolves have also courted him but he remains loyal to Salford - he is highly rated by Reds' bosses and like many in the game, they share the view he deserves a shot at top flight international RL.

He has played for Lancashire and England and football director Steve Simms is a big Coley fan.

He says: "Coley has come on in leaps and bounds - he typifies the modern-day forward, he is so strong, talented and has so much to offer."

Prospect

Tony Barrow, the former Swinton chief executive, is not surprised to see Coley making his mark as a top Super League forward.

He says: "I could see straight away this lad had what it takes to reach the very top.

"He was a tremendous prospect and it was only a matter of time before one of the big clubs came in for him - he's quick, strong, mobile and extremely effective."

Coley says he is reasonably happy with his form for Salford - he is working closely with Jimmy Lowes, a member of the coaching staff looking at ways to further improve himself.

Right now though, Coley is not looking beyond Sunday and singles out Giants' star Brad Drew as the danger man, adding: "Drew has been playing some fantastic rugby - he is the ultimate pro who never gives in.

"Eorl Crabtree is a big handful up front while former Wigan players Stephen Wild and Martin Aspinwall have been going very well.

"I also rate full-back Paul Reilly, he returns the ball well and he is always looking to take the game to the opposition.

"It promises to be a very tough time, both teams are desperate to progress, I just hope it's our day."